Exciting format with exercises in the city
29 May 2023
SIMEC Mining has scored the hosting rights to this year’s South Australian Mines Emergency Response Competition (SAMERC).
In a huge coup for the GFG Alliance mining operation, competition will occur from October 13-15 in the Whyalla city precinct. An event designed to test the skills and knowledge of emergency response teams, this is the first time it will be held in Whyalla.
SAMERC Committee members were in town earlier this year to scope out potential rescue simulation sites and meet with SIMEC Mining and the City of Whyalla representatives.
The change in site format is recognition of the GFG Alliance presence in Whyalla with its SIMEC Mining and LIBERTY Primary Steel operations and its ongoing working relationship with the City of Whyalla.
Not many people get to see these incredible competitions first-hand as they are typically held at remote mining sites
Steve Player: SIMEC Mining Manager Health and Safety
The intention is that most of the events will be held around the Whyalla foreshore area, with a couple of events in other iconic locations around Whyalla. SIMEC Mining Manager Health and Safety, Steve Player said this year’s competition will be an amazing and unique opportunity to showcase SIMEC Mining, GFG and Whyalla.
“Not many people get to see these incredible competitions first-hand as they are typically held at remote mining sites,” Steve said.
“We are working towards having the exercises in different locations around Whyalla where the general public can come along and witness the important work these crews do in this competition and on a regular basis back in their workplaces.”
Teams from major mines throughout South Australia and interstate will be putting their skills to the test in simulated events including firefighting, vertical rescue, search and rescue, road crash rescue, first aid, team skills and confined space rescue.
SAMERC Deputy Chairman Luke Brammy said this year’s organising committee was genuinely excited about this year’s fourteenth running of the event.
“We have never held this event in a SA regional city, so this format around Whyalla is going to be fantastic,” Luke said.
“The co-operation and enthusiasm of SIMEC Mining and the City of Whyalla representatives has been tremendous … we are in for a very special competition this year.”
City of Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone said Council was thrilled to be involved in the 2023 competition and looked forward to facilitating public areas of the city for the exercises.
“This is going to be a great experience for Whyalla locals to see these brave men and women competing in some spectacular exercises and drills,” Mayor Stone said.
“It is an honour and great news for Whyalla to be the first location where SAMERC is held in full public view, enabling the community to come along and admire these teams and their amazing skills and capabilities.
“It is also a boost for the city, as we will have more than 120 visiting competitors coming to town for three days, while many people are also expected to travel from other towns to witness this competition in the public arena for the first time.”
We have never held this event in a SA regional city, so this format around Whyalla is going to be fantastic
SAMERC Deputy Chairman Luke Brammy
There will be up to eight teams competing in the competition, including of course one from our own SIMEC Mining. The teams will be competing for the SAMERC Perpetual Trophy with trophies also awarded to the winners of each event along with Best Team Captain and a SAMERC Chairman’s Award for the team that best demonstrates the values of the competition.
Main image: Luke Brammy (SAMERC Deputy Chairman), Steve Player (Manager Health & Safety SIMEC Mining) Mark Bishop (Superintendent Emergency Services SIMEC Mining) and Len Batley (SAMERC Treasurer) visit Whyalla to plan the 2023 competition.
SAMERC tests and drills
- Theory
- First Aid
- Fire Fighting
- Vertical Rescue
- Team Skills
- BA Search and Rescue
- Industrial Rescue
- Road Crash Rescue
- Confined Space Rescue
- Surface Rescue
SAMERC 2023 in Whyalla
VENUE: City of Whyalla, South Australia
DATE: 13 to 15 October 2023
ITINERARY: Events will run from late afternoon on Friday, and 6am to 6pm Saturday/Sunday, with events on the Saturday/Sunday accessible to the general public.